Aviva Premiership review: Joseph inspires London Irish to shock win

Jonathan Joseph’s fine early-season form continued as he got London Irish rolling as they recorded a shock 39-17 win against Premiership leaders Northampton on Saturday.

The centre produced the kind of display that convinced Stuart Lancaster to take him on England’s summer tour of South Africa as he crossed for the Exiles’ first try.

And the England head coach will be hoping he can keep up his form all the way to the 2013 Six Nations, Joseph joined on the scoresheet by England hopefuls Topsy Ojo, Jamie Gibson and David Paice.

Compatriot Phil Dowson and Ken Pisi crossed in reply for Saints, while Stephen Myler added seven points with the boot, but it wasn’t enough as Welshman Steven Shingler and Irishman Ian Humphreys kept the host’s score ticking over.

England team-mates Karl Dickson and Ugo Monye scored tries for Harlequins but their scores were in vain as Exeter Chiefs downed the defending champions 42-28.

The Red Rose pair were joined on the scoresheet by Kiwi Nick Evans but tries for Jason Shoemark (2), Brett Surgess, Ben White and Sireli Naqelevuki – as well as 17 points from the boot of Gareth Steenson – handed the Chiefs a famous win.

Elsewhere, the boot of English fly-half Freddie Burns helped Gloucester to a 16-10 West Country derby victory over Bath.

Burns, who will have sights on a Six Nations call up next year, kicked 11 points and was joined on the scoresheet by Rob Cook, cancelling out New Zealand World Cup winner Stephen Donald, who scored all of Bath’s points.

© Sportsbeat 2012